[image from visualphotos.com]
for Poets United's Thursday Think Tank prompt: Secrets
She told me
her secret
with tears,
this grown-up
girl-child,
remembering days
back then,
when vulnerable
little girls
were never safe
in a world
filled with
predatory men.
My world tilted,
then righted itself
as I
looked back,
making sense
of the hidden clues,
the misunderstood cues,
a time when
my mind could not
conceive
how damaged
and damaging
some people can be,
or understand
the impact on
our lives
went far
beyond
me.
The miracle
in this life is
somehow
we all
survive, and
some of us
actually
transcend,
grow whole,
help others heal,
choose light
instead of
darkness,
turn away from pain,
choose life
after all,
hope rising,
again and
yet again,
no matter
how many times
we fall.
A secret
that changes
memory,
changes
the past,
is good
when it is
finally told
at last.
Sometimes telling one's secret truths can be a healing experience. Very good poem, Sherry.
ReplyDeleteI love your spin on the healing aspect the release of pent up emotion~xXx
ReplyDeleteLovely -- both sad and uplifting. Good job.
ReplyDeletea special memory and philosophy, beautifully expressed
ReplyDeleteSad. I can imagine how earth shattering it must have been for you to listen to this grown-up girl-child telling you her terrible secret.
ReplyDeleteWonderful piece about the healing power of sharing a secret, turn on the light, things fall into place. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant, Sherry. The conclusion, evidence of wisdom won, is simply right. Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful use of words. I especially like the first two stanzas, but also the hope at the end. Good writing!
ReplyDeletethis truly hit a nerve, as all good writing does...
ReplyDeleteSherry,
ReplyDeleteA very profound secret and all so familiar in this world.
A great burden to be carried through life.
A very Happy Easter to you Sherry,
All Good Wisges, Eileen
This is just heartbreaking and so real. Your poem just puts it all out there. I'm glad you wrote this. "The miracle of this life is that we all survive" Wow! Great poem.
ReplyDelete